Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
